KDHE BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTS UPDATED

Sept. 9, 2011

Milford Reservoir still under Warning; Tuttle Creek River Pond upgraded to Warning

TOPEKA — In recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), blue-green algae levels in several lakes remain high. Samples collected at Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties indicate that high toxin levels of algae bloom are still present throughout. Based on samples tested at different points around the lake, a Public Health Warning will remain in effect, and the lake will be open to fishing and boating only. Recreational activities that involve direct contact with water — such as skiing, swimming, wading, and personal watercraft riding — are not allowed.

The only other change is that Tuttle Creek River Pond, below the dam at Tuttle Creek State Park, as been upgraded from an Advisory to a Warning.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur.

Blue-green algae do not affect the drinking water in state parks, and all campgrounds, marinas, and other lakeside businesses remain open for business.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;

do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

An “Advisory” is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

Logan City Lake — Phillips County (previously under “Warning); and

Marion County Lake — Marion County.

When a Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;

avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact with lake water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.